Coon Rapids City Council warns Northdale homeowners of rising sewer backup risks, urges inspections and insurance review

COON RAPIDS, Minn. - During its December 16, 2025 meeting, the City of Coon Rapids City Council addressed growing concerns about the condition of aging sewer infrastructure in the Northdale Addition, a mid 20th century residential neighborhood where underground utilities are increasingly showing their age.

City officials reported a pattern of service disruptions tied primarily to root intrusions and blockages in private sewer service connections rather than failures in the city maintained main lines. The discussion comes as Public Works continues routine inspections and maintenance across older neighborhoods and as residents report more frequent backups and slow draining systems.

An aging neighborhood beneath the surface

The Northdale Addition was largely developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, an era when clay and early concrete sewer pipes were commonly installed. While city staff noted that recent closed circuit television inspections show the public sewer mains in the area remain structurally sound, they also emphasized that private service lines connecting individual homes to those mains are often in far worse condition.

As trees planted decades ago have matured, their root systems have expanded in search of moisture. Sewer pipes, particularly older ones with small cracks or aging joints, provide an attractive entry point. Once inside, roots can grow rapidly, trapping debris, narrowing flow, and eventually causing full blockages or pipe failure.

City staff explained that while the City is responsible for the sewer mains under the street, the service line running from a house to the main is owned and maintained by the homeowner. Many of these private lines in Northdale are now nearing or have exceeded their expected lifespan.

Why backups can become expensive fast

Sewer backups can cause extensive damage to basements and lower level living spaces, often affecting flooring, walls, appliances, and personal property. City officials stressed that standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover sewer backups or sump pump failures.

Council members and Public Works staff strongly encouraged residents to contact their insurance agents to ask about adding a sewer backup endorsement. This additional coverage is generally modest in cost but can significantly reduce out of pocket expenses if a blockage forces wastewater back into a home.

Proactive steps residents are urged to take

In addition to reviewing insurance coverage, the City encouraged homeowners to consider preventive inspections. A sewer scope inspection, performed using a small camera inserted into the service line, can identify root growth, cracks, and early signs of failure before a complete blockage occurs.

Residents experiencing recurring sewer issues or planning to have a private line cleaned were also advised to notify Public Works. Improper root cutting in a private line can sometimes push debris into the public main, creating broader system problems.

City staff emphasized that residents should contact the City directly if they are unsure whether a problem lies in the public sewer or the private service line so staff can help guide next steps.

Clarifying responsibility

As the City continues long term planning for infrastructure renewal, officials reiterated the division of responsibility that governs sewer maintenance:

• Sewer main lines under streets are maintained by the City of Coon Rapids
• Sewer service lines from the home to the main are the responsibility of the homeowner
• Root removal and repairs in private service lines fall to the homeowner
• Cleanup and restoration costs from sewer backups are typically the homeowner’s responsibility unless covered by insurance

City leaders said the discussion is part of a broader effort to ensure residents in older neighborhoods understand both the risks associated with aging infrastructure and the practical steps available to protect their homes.

Residents with questions about sewer inspections, maintenance, or recurring issues in the Northdale Addition are encouraged to contact Coon Rapids Public Works directly for guidance.

MinneapoliMedia